Computer keyboard with electronically changeable keycaps

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, apparatuses, and methods for the projection of images onto keycaps of a computer keyboard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No.62/970,757, filed 6 Feb. 2020, which is hereby incorporated by referenceas though fully set forth herein.

This application is related to U.S. provisional application No.62/345,673, filed 3 Jun. 2016; U.S. provisional application No.62/455,705, filed 7 Feb. 2017; and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/611,223,filed 1 Jun. 2017, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference asthough fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND a. Field

The instant disclosure relates to keyboards. In one embodiment, theinstant disclosure relates to electronic keyboards for use as an inputdevice for a computer.

b. Background Art

The standard data entry keyboard used to input data into a computer isbased on the “QWERTY” layout developed over 100 years ago for the manualtypewriter. The alphabetic keys, numeric keys and most punctuation keysare laid out essentially the same as they were over 100 years ago. Thislayout has no particular logic to it in terms of the sequence of thekeys other than to keep the keys from jamming due to interfering keysbeing consecutively struck too quickly. This was useful in the days ofmechanical typewriters which depended on levers causing arms withletters forged on them to swing up from their resting positions andstrike an inked ribbon against the typing paper.

Modern keyboards, which are often used as data input devices forcomputers, may be reconfigured to input various types of data includingdifferent languages and may act as “hot keys” to initiate pre-programmedcommands in a program or an application.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate the presentfield and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are believed to be applicable to avariety of different types of data entry devices, including computerkeyboards, electronic typewriters, other data entry units, and othersimilar apparatus. Specific embodiments are believed to be particularlybeneficial to computers for switching among various standard keyboardlayouts and custom keyboard layouts for standard and/or specialty keysor key combinations, including various language-specific characters, orfor inputting various types of data and commands, including numeric andalphanumeric characters, various program specific commands, and hot keytype commands using a single physical keyboard.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an electronic keyboard and animage processing means. The electronic keyboard detects a user input,and includes one or more keys and an electro-mechanical interface. Eachof the one or more keys includes a keycap, and mechanically interfaceswith a user when a specific data input associated with the key isdesired. The electro-mechanical interface is coupled to the one or morekeys and, in response to the mechanical interaction between the user andthe one or more keys, converts the mechanical interaction into anelectrical signal indicative of the specific data input. The imageprojecting means is coupled to the electronic keyboard (or containedtherein) and projects an image onto a top surface of the one or morekeycaps via an optical element.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an electronic keyboard andan image projecting means. In this embodiment, the electronic keyboardincludes one or more keys, and detects user inputs on the one or morekeys and associates the user inputs with specific data inputs. The imageprojecting means is coupled to the electronic keyboard, and projects animage onto a surface of the one or more keycaps of the electronickeyboard via an optical element.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, andadvantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading thefollowing description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood inconsideration of the following detailed description in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a computer keyboard, consistentwith various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-H are top views of a computer keyboard, consistent withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10I is a view of the image projected on the keycaps of the computerkeyboard of FIG. 10H, consistent with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a computer keyboard, consistentwith various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional side view of the computer keyboardof FIG. 11, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the computer keyboard of FIG. 11, consistentwith various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of acomputer keyboard key illustrating an optical ray path up through thekey, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of acomputer keyboard key illustrating an optical ray path up through thekey, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of acomputer keyboard key illustrating an optical ray path up through thekey, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of acomputer keyboard key illustrating an optical ray path up through thekey, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B is a computer generated image analysis of a resulting image ona keycap of the fourth embodiment of the computer keyboard key of FIG.13A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A is an isometric top view of a computer keyboard key, consistentwith various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B is a cross-section side view of the computer keyboard key ofFIG. 14A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications andalternative forms, and aspects thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims. Inaddition, the term “example” as used throughout this application is onlyby way of illustration, and not limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the present disclosure are believed to be applicable to avariety of different types of data entry devices, including computerkeyboards, electronic typewriters, other data entry units, and othersimilar apparatus. Specific embodiments are believed to be particularlybeneficial to computers for switching among various standard keyboardlayouts and custom keyboard layouts for standard and/or specialty keysor key combinations, including various language-specific characters, orfor inputting various types of data and commands, including numeric andalphanumeric characters, various program specific commands, and hot keytype commands using a single physical keyboard.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are presented by way ofthe illustrations in the figures. FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric viewof a computer keyboard 100, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The basic computer keyboard 100 includes a keymatrix 115 releasably coupled to a silicon membrane 110. Adjacent thekey matrix 115, silicon membrane 110 is releasably coupled to keys 106that are housed in an upper housing 105. Opposite the upper housing 105,a lower housing 125 in conjunction with the upper housing encloses thekeyboard components. When the key 106 is manipulated by a user, the keylongitudinally moves (e.g., moves vertically downward) into or towardthe housing and contacts a paired dome 111 of the membrane 110. In someembodiments the membrane 110 may include silicone or a compositionincluding silicone, or some other deformable-type material thatfacilitates returning a key to its initial position after a key press.As the key moves longitudinally, the dome 111 is deformed into contactwith an electrical contact switch 116 associated with the pressed key106, thereby activating the contact switch. The key matrix 115, membrane110, and the one or more keys 106 are collectively referred to herein asan electro-mechanical interface. When communicatively coupled to acomputer system, the keyboard 100 transmits a key code in response tothe activation of the contact switch 116 to the computer system (by wayof one or more electrical connectors 117A and/or 117B). The key code,once received by the computer system, is associated with a specific datainput based on a selected keyboard layout.

As further shown in FIG. 1, an image projecting means 120 (e.g., a lightemitting diode (“LED”) display, a liquid crystal (“LCD”) display, aprojector such as a digital laser projector, cathode ray tube, digitaldisplay, fiber optic display, or other light illumination means) ispositioned underneath key matrix 115, relative to the one or more keys106. Consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure, theimage projecting means 120 projects one or more images up through eithertransparent portions of the key matrix 115 and silicon membrane 110, orthrough apertures therein, and onto a surface of the one or more keys.In more specific embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more keysare transparent to allow the image to be projected up through the keyand onto a top surface of the key (a top portion of the key known as akeycap) for viewing by a user. The image projected onto the surface ofeach keycap thus being dynamically changeable by the user and/oroperating system. Note that, although the image is shown in the figuresas being projected onto the top surface of the keycap, the image couldbe projected onto one or more of the side surfaces of the keycap, oronto both the top surface and one or more of the side surfaces of thekeycap.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, image projectingmeans 120 projects an image onto key 106 indicative of the data inputassociated with the key, and in response to a control signal received bythe image projecting means 120 via electrical connector 121. The imageprojecting means facilitates a maintained association between a key'svisually indicated data input and the operating system assigned datainput. In further specific embodiments, in response to a keyboard layoutchange at a computer system level, on-board keyboard circuitry updatesthe projected images on each of the one or more keys to reflect theupdated association between each key and its assigned data input. Insuch an embodiment, an operating system of the communicatively coupledcomputer system may include software that enables the automaticreconfiguration of the projected images on each of the one or more keysbased on the selected keyboard layout. In yet further embodiments, thecomputer system may also include editor software that enables a user tocustomize the projected keyboard layout, font, size, color, among othercustomizable characteristics based on the user's preference on thecomputer system. The user may then apply, save, and share the customkeyboard layout and associated images as a re-useable keyboard layout inthe computer operating system environment.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard200, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure.Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-section of adome-switch type keyboard 200. To enter data, a user selects a desiredkey 206 based on an image 222 projected (via an image projecting means220) through a transparent portion 207 of the key. The image projectedon the key may be indicative of the data input associated with the key206 of the keyboard 200. When a user selects the key 206, the keyvertically extends into contact with dome 211 which deforms in responseto the force exerted by the user through the key. The deformation of thedome 211 extends contact facilitating protrusion 212 vertically intocontact with a first portion of contact switch 216. When a sufficientamount of force is induced on the key 206 by the user, the resultingdisplacement on the first potion of the contact switch 216 places thefirst portion of the contact switch into contact with a second portion(below the first) to complete an electrical circuit. Whencommunicatively coupled to a computer, the closed electrical circuittransmits a specific key code indicative of the key pressed by the userwhich is associated at the operating system level with a specific datainput based on a selected keyboard layout. It is to be understood thataspects of the present disclosure are amenable to various other types ofkeyboard configurations and types, such as membrane-type keyboards,scissor-switch type keyboards, capacitive keyboards, mechanical-switchtype keyboards, buckling-spring type keyboards, hall-effect keyboards,laser projection keyboards, optical-keyboards, roll-up keyboards (e.g.,including flexible circuits including materials such as polyimide, PEEK,transparent conductive polyester film, and bendable glass), amongothers.

As shown in FIG. 2, a display 220 (one type of image projecting means)projects an image 222 up through a transparent key matrix 215 (near acontact switch 216), an aperture 213 through a membrane 210, and anopening in an upper housing 205. The image 222 travels through atransparent portion 207 of key 206, and is displayed on a top surface ofthe key. In further more specific embodiments, the transparent portions(e.g., key matrix 215), and apertures within the membrane and upperhousing may be utilized to achieve one or more of the following opticaladjustments: refraction, diffraction, and reflection. Such opticaladjustments may be used to, for example, focus, enhance, expand, ordirect the transmission or the transmission path of the image 222 or theimage itself in a desired way. As one example, where it is desirable toexpand the size of the image displayed on the key 206, the opticalproperties of the key matrix 215 may be tuned, or a lens may beinstalled within one or more of the apertures to expand the image. Wherelimiting the size of the projected image to a small portion of the key206 is desirable, an aperture may be minimized or axially offset todecrease the amount of light and/or the area in which the light istransmitted into contact with a surface of the keycap.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard300, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, to increase the amount of surface area of the key306 displaying an image 322, a lens 308 (or other light manipulatingmeans) redirects and expands the image light column to further centerthe image on the keycap. The image 322 is projected from an imageprojecting means 320 through a key matrix 315 (e.g., through atransparent portion or an aperture therein), and a membrane 310 (e.g.,through a transparent portion or an aperture therein). In variousembodiments of the present disclosure, the apertures and/or transparentportions of the key matrix 315 and the membrane 310 may be utilized inconjunction with, or in substitution of the lens 308 to provide thedesired optical corrections.

In other simplified embodiments, or where retro-fit of existingkeyboards may be desirable, the image projecting means 320 may becoupled to a top surface of the upper housing 305 and the image 322projected directly through the transparent portion 307 of the key anddisplayed on a top surface or other surface of the key. In such anembodiment, re-engineering of the existing keyboard to include aperturesor optically transparent portions in key matrix 315, membrane 310, orupper housing 305, is unnecessary.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard400, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, the computer keyboard 400 is a mechanical-switchtype keyboard. In operation, a user's selection of key 406 causes thekey to vertically travel down and trigger a mechanical switch 414 thateither closes or opens a circuit to indicate the selection of the key toa computer. The mechanical 414 switch is mechanically and electricallycoupled to a printed circuit board 415, which may include otherelectronic circuitry for signal processing and conditioning, as well astwo-way communication with the computer. In one specific example, theelectronic circuitry of the printed circuit board 415 may convert theelectrical signal from the user's selection of a key from an analogsignal to a digital signal before transmitting the digital signal to thecomputer.

In the present embodiment of FIG. 4, image projecting means 420 producestwo images 422 which extend up through a printed circuit board 415(through a transparent portion or an aperture 413 therein), through anaperture in upper housing 405, and transparent portions 407 of key 406to project one or more images on a top surface thereof. Such anembodiment facilitates keyboard applications where multiple data inputsare associated with the same key (e.g., lower case “a” and upper case“A”), thereby allowing both the associated data inputs to be displayedsimultaneously.

In other embodiments consistent with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4,multiple projected images 422 may be projected from different locationson the image projecting means 420 (and through various apertures,optics, or other light manipulating means for refraction, diffraction,reflection, focusing, etc.) around key 406 to produce an image on a topor other surface of the key that appears to be one single uniform image.Such an embodiment may be particularly useful where an image extendingacross an entire top surface of the key 406 is desirable, such as largetype fonts characters (e.g., for user's with visual impairments), orwhere multiple items are to be displayed simultaneously (e.g., anEnglish letter and a Chinese equivalent).

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard500, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, an image 522 projected from an image projectingmeans 520 is transmitted through portions of key matrix 515, membrane510, and into an interior portion of a hollow shaft 509 of a key 506before projecting through a transparent portion 507 of the key and ontoa keycap surface. In various embodiments consistent with the presentdisclosure, the key matrix 515 may comprise a substantially transparentportion or an aperture for facilitating projection of the image throughthe key matrix. Similarly, the membrane 510 may comprise a substantiallytransparent portion or an aperture for facilitating projection of theimage there through. In more specific embodiments, a shape of themembrane may be engineered for manipulating the projected image asdesired, including but not necessarily limited to refraction,diffraction, and reflection. Similarly, the inner walls of the hollowshaft 509 may be utilized for projecting and/or manipulating the image.For example, the walls of the hollow shaft 509 may be coated with areflective material to reflect the image within the shaft. In certainimplementations, the projected image may be reflected off the reflectiveinner wall one or more times before being projected onto, for example, akeycap of the key 506 with a greater area than that of the hollow shaft.In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the image is projected linearly upthe hollow shaft 509 without any light manipulation, the membrane 510having optical characteristics that allow for the flow of light throughthe membrane without perturbing its direction, brightness, and contrast.

Embodiments consistent with that of FIG. 5 may be particularlybeneficial to applications including mobile keyboards, where a footprintof each key 506 is limited. In such applications, the small key footprint minimizes the amount of space around a shaft of the key forprojecting an image. Moreover, such an embodiment limits the amount ofalterations from pre-existing manufacturing processes and parts alreadybeing used to manufacture computer keyboards, greatly simplifyingimplementation and cost associated with such a keyboard.

Embodiments consistent with FIG. 5 may also be amenable to use as aretrofit to existing keyboards where many components may be re-used anda kit with the required replacement components may be purchased by auser for aftermarket installation. In one example implementation of sucha retrofit kit, the kit may include a display 520, a replacementmembrane 510, and replacement keys 506. In a simpler implementation of aretrofit kit the display 520 is mounted on a top surface of an existingupper housing 505. The placement of the display above theelectro-mechanical interface within the existing keyboard eliminates theneed to replace a number of parts. As a result, the simplified kit mayinclude the display 520, and replacement keys 506. In such a kit, tofacilitate the added z-height of the display outside the upper housing505, the replacement keys 506 may include extended shafts.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard600, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, an image 622 is projected from an image projectingmeans 620, through a portion of a key matrix 615 and an aperture 613 inmembrane 610, and into an interior portion of key 606 where a lens 608or other light manipulating means redirects and expands the lightthrough a transparent portion 607 of the key and onto a top surface ofthe keycap. In such an embodiment, the key matrix 615 includes materialwith optical characteristics that render the key matrix substantiallytransparent allowing the unaltered transmission of the image 622 therethrough. However, in the present embodiment, the membrane 610 hasoptical characteristics insufficient for the application, necessitatingthe aperture 613 through the membrane to limit any adverse effect onresulting image quality and brightness. The aperture 613 may also beutilized to limit the transmission of stray light from the imageprojecting means 620 to the keycap, thereby mitigating admission ofstray light into the inner portion of the key which may result inreduced image clarity, contrast, or saturation. By transmitting theimage 622 through the key 606, the image need not be transmitted throughupper housing 605.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard700, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. Todisplay a desired image on a top surface (keycap) of a key 706, an imageprojecting means 720 generates image 722, which is transmitted throughkey matrix 715 into a fiber optic cable 718. The fiber optic cable 718is coupled to the key matrix through an aperture in membrane 710. Thefiber optic cable transports the image 722 the length of the cable andemits the image, at a right angle relative to the longitudinal axis ofthe fiber optic cable, into an inner portion of the key 706 (e.g., viaan aperture in the key). Once inside the key 706, the direction of theimage 722 is further re-directed by a lens 708 (or other lightmanipulating means) vertically up a shaft of the key to a transparentportion 707 where the image is visible to a user. Aspects of the presentdisclosure minimize the transmission of the image 722 through variousmediums (e.g., membrane 710, key matrix 715, outer housing 705, etc.)that may have less then desirable optical characteristics, or which mayotherwise require a re-design to provide the desired opticalcharacteristics.

Utilizing a fiber optic cable for at least a portion of the imagetransmission has a number of benefits including minimizing diffusion oflight along the transmission path that may otherwise limit thevisibility of the image displayed on the top surface of the key 706. Infurther more specific embodiments, flexible fiber optic cables (e.g.,plastic fiber optic cables) may be utilized in a non-linear fashion todeliver the image from the image projecting means 720 to a desiredlocation for display (e.g., a surface of the key visible to a user).Using the present figure, FIG. 7, as an example, a proximal portion ofthe fiber optic cable may be coupled to the image projecting means 720,inserted through an aperture on a surface of the key 706, and coupled toa transparent portion 707 of the key for displaying the image. Inresponse, to a user input on the key, the fiber optic cable may deflectwhile maintaining constant transmission of the image from the imageprojecting means to the keycap.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard800, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. Similarto FIG. 7, the embodiment of FIG. 8 also utilizes a fiber optic cable818 to at least partially transport an image from an image projectingmeans 820 to a keycap of a key 806. The present embodiment benefits fromreduced cost and improved manufacturability. Specifically, the fiberoptic cable 818 may be coupled to key 806 prior to final assembly of thekeyboard 800. Also, during manufacturing of key matrix 815, an aperturemay be stamped (or otherwise removed) in the appropriate location forthe fiber optic cable to extend through the membrane during finalassembly. In operation, the image projecting means 820 transmits animage 822 through an optically transparent portion of key matrix 815 andinto the fiber optic cable 818 before being emitted into (or inproximity to) a transparent portion 807 of the key 806. The fiber opticcable 818 extends through an aperture in membrane 810 and up through alumen of key 806. By vertically extending through the lumen of key 806,the fiber optic cable 818 need not extend through upper housing 805 viaan additional aperture therein.

In specific embodiments, consistent with the discussion of FIG. 8 above(among other embodiments), in some applications it may be desirable tomaintain the image displayed on the key even when the key is beingdepressed by a user. In various embodiments, the change in focal lengthmay result in the image appearing out of focus or not being visible atall. To compensate for such changes associated with depression of a key,controller circuitry (either onboard the keyboard or the communicativelycoupled computer system) in response to depression of the key may adjustthe image projected by the image processing means to compensate for thechange in focal length to maintain the focus of the projected image onthe key. In yet further embodiments, the controller circuitry may alsoadjust the image to provide a visual indication of which key is beingdepressed.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a computer keyboard900, consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. In thepresent embodiment, a display 930 is coupled to the underside of a key906 and projects an image up through transparent portions 907 of the keyto a top surface of the keycap. The display 930 is communicativelycoupled to the rest of the keyboard circuitry via an electricalconnector 931 that extends from the display to a printed circuit board915 through apertures in the upper housing 905 and membrane 910. In suchan embodiment, each key may include a display, or only desired keys maybe outfitted with a display. The present embodiment mitigates thecomplexity associated with transmitting images through various materialswith varying optical characteristics between the image projecting meansand the keycap.

In yet other embodiments, consistent with the above, the display 930 maybe integrated into the key. For example, where the display is visible ata top surface of the key without projecting the image through portionsof the key itself, upper housing, membrane, or key matrix. In such anembodiment, the key may be configured to allow for access to a connectorport on the display for communicatively coupling the display to aprinted circuit board 915 via electrical connector 931.

In further more specific embodiments, the display 930 functions as akeycap and a shaft is mounted to the underside of the display foractuating the membrane, in response to a user selection, and completinga circuit in the key matrix 915 (also referred to as a printed circuitboard). In another embodiment, the display 930 may be a touch-sensitivedisplay (e.g., a capacitive touchscreen display) wherein the displayboth projects an image indicative of the data input associated with thekey and also provides an electrical signal to controller circuitryindicative of a selection of the key by the user. In such an embodiment,the longitudinal stroke of the key 906, in response to the selection ofthe key by the user, and the reactive deformation of the membrane 910provides the user with a desirable tactical feedback and improvedergonomics, but does not provide any indication to the communicativelycoupled computer that the key has been selected (as in a dome-switchtype keyboard).

In one embodiment, the display 930 is coupled to a top surface of key906, and includes optical touch detecting circuitry (e.g., infraredlight detecting touch screen circuitry, optical key actuation detectioncircuitry) to detect when a keycap has been pressed by a user;specifically, by detecting the absence of light caused by the mechanicaluser input on the one or more keys, and associates the absence of lightin proximity to the one or more keys with a specific data input assignedto the one or more keys. The display 930 displaying an image, which insome embodiments is indicative of the data input associated with thekey. In such an embodiment, the membrane 910 deforms in response to thelongitudinal stroke of the key 906 to provide the user with a desirabletactical feedback and improved ergonomics, but does not facilitate a keymatrix providing an indication to the communicatively coupled computerthat the key has been selected (as in a dome-switch type keyboard).

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be amenable to variousmodifications and enhancements as may be necessary for use in variousapplications, it is understood that such modifications and enhancementsare well within the abilities of a skilled artisan in view of thepresent disclosure. In various uses for projected images on thekeyboards keycaps, the keycaps may display a screen saver, includingvideos and/or images, during periods of inactivity or on-demand based ona user's request, as well as other pertinent information such as newsand weather. As discussed in some detail above, the keyboard circuitrymay automatically re-map the images displayed on each key based on a newlanguage being selected in the computer's operating system, or theselection of a new keyboard layout.

In further applications of a keyboard consistent with the presentdisclosure, software may be implemented on the computer communicativelycoupled to the keyboard to allow for customization of the imagesprojected on the keycaps. Such customization facilitating personalstyle, such as the customization of the displayed font colors, keybackground colors, and type fonts of the alpha-numeric indicators on thekeys. Further, banners, graphics, images, and videos may be displayed onthe keycaps either inlaid behind alpha-numeric indicators on the keys,or displayed on the keys in the absence of alpha-numeric indicators. Inone example embodiment, a portion of a video may be projected on eachkey of a keyboard, with all the keys substantially projecting the entirevideo upon the keyboard's keys.

Aspects of the present disclosure are further directed to new operatingsystem standards in which one or more operating systems includepre-installed software for controlling and integrating keyboardsconsistent with the above disclosure. For example, a global standard maybe adopted across operating software platforms that allows for theidentification of a keyboard (consistent with aspects of the presentdisclosure) communicatively coupled to a computer, and for enablingenhanced features within the computer operating system to utilize thekeyboards display features in various programs and applications.

In view of the above disclosure, skilled artisans may readily apply theteachings of the present disclosure to various applications. Variousspecific applications are discussed below and are not intended to belimiting, but instead to provide some examples of how aspects of thedisclosure may be implemented.

In applications where the keyboards are to be utilized by visuallyimpaired users, a larger font size may be displayed on the keycaps tofacilitate improved identification by such users. Moreover, increasedbacklighting and/or contrasting between the background color and thefont color may further facilitate improved key identification byvisually impaired users.

Aspects of the present disclosure may also be utilized for training andeducation purposes. For example, in a computer-implemented educationalsoftware application, where a child is being tested on the order of thealphabet. When asked what letter comes after “D,” after a pre-determinedtime, the computer will send a command to the keyboard to illuminate theletter “E” on the keyboard as a hint. The visual and physical connectionbetween seeing the letter “E” illuminated and physically pressing thebutton further assists in the association and memorization. As a furtherexample, for training students how to type on a keyboard, a computer maysend a command to the keyboard to illuminate the next letter to bepressed (or otherwise distinguish the correct key from the rest of thekeys; e.g., increasing the font size, changing the font color,background color, or flashing). This can be particularly beneficial inkeyboard training as such a visual indication may help to limit theamount a student looks down at the keys to determine the location of thekey which is to be pressed.

In various applications directed to gaming and other computer softwarerelated applications, the applications when executed create “hot keys”on the keyboard that are associated with specific commands in theapplication. However, these so-called hot keys may be difficult forusers to remember if there are a large number of such keys or the useris an infrequent user of the application. Once a user executes anapplication on a computer attached to a keyboard in accordance with thepresent disclosure, the application via the computer may upload newimages to be displayed on the keyboard keycaps indicative of the hotkeys specific to the executed application. Such images furtherfacilitate the user's efficient use of the application and theirmemorization of such hot keys.

In applications where a user regularly uses multiple language layouts ontheir keyboard, the user may select, via an interface on the computerfor example, that the keyboard simultaneously display images on each ofthe keycaps associated with the user's most used languages to facilitateswitching between the keyboard layouts. For example, a keycap maysimultaneously display the English letter “A” and the Japaneseequivalent “

”.

In one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a keyboard isdisclosed with low and normal operating power modes. In such anembodiment, each of the one or more keys includes a printed image on atop surface of the key indicative of the default data input associatedwith activation of the key. Where the power supplies to a keyboard(e.g., on-board battery supply or computer provided supply of power)falls below a threshold voltage, the keyboard controller circuitry mayenter a low-power mode. In some embodiments of a low-power mode, theimage projecting means may revert into a low-power mode where thebrightness of the projected image is reduced, or the image projectingmeans is disabled entirely. Where the image projecting means is disabledentirely, the printed images on the top surface of the keys are the onlyvisible indication of the data input associated with the key. In variousembodiments, the printed image may be printed with an ink that isrendered invisible at a wavelength produced by a display projecting animage through the keycap. Specifically, for example, the printed imageon the key may include an ink with material characteristics includingincreased optical translucence in response to irradiation of light in aspectrum consistent with a computer display. Accordingly, when the imageprojecting means displays an image, the printed image is hidden, but theprinted image is visible when the image projecting means is disabled.

In other embodiments, the printed image includes a fluorescing ink thatbecomes visible in response to ultra-violet light. In an embodimentutilizing fluorescing ink, in response to a low-power mode beinginitiated, the keyboard circuitry disables the image projecting meansand enables LEDs that emit light at frequencies within the ultra-violetrange to reveal the printed image. When a power supply raises above athreshold voltage, a normal operating mode may resume where the imageprojecting means projects an image onto the top surface of the keyindicative of the specific data input associated with activation of thekey, and wherein LEDs are disabled diminishing the visibility of theprinted image on the top surface of the key.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a key surface matrixof a keyboard may be printed on a surface of an image projecting means,such as a glass or plastic projection screen(s) (e.g., LCD or LED likeprojection screen(s)). The image projecting means projecting an imagethrough a clear or semi-clear keycap structure of one or more keys andonto a top surface of the keycap for visual identification by a keyboarduser.

A keyboard, consistent with the present disclosure, includes a display,or other image projecting means that projects an image onto a keycapsurface(s) of one or more keys of the keyboard. In one embodiment, adisplay may extend below all the keys upon which an image is to beprojected, and a single image is projected on the display with thedesired sub-images displayed on each of the keycaps. The relativeposition of each of the sub-images within the image being controlled bythe relative position of the keys relative to the display. In one suchembodiment, the single image displayed may be static, and the user maycontrol aspects of the display including brightness, sharpness, contour,etc. In more advanced embodiments, the image projected from the displaymay be dynamic to facilitate adjustment of the sub-images displayed oneach of the keycaps (e.g., based on user customization of the keys inputfunctionality). The display may also project videos, animations, orimages across one or more of the keycaps. It is important to note thatin such embodiments, the operating system may still control the computerinput of each key regardless of the image displayed on the keycaps. Thatis, the image projected on a keycap may not correspond to an inputfunctionality of the key.

An image projected on a keycap by the display may not necessarily beassociated with a computer input functionality of the key whendepressed. However, in some embodiments, Application ProgrammingInterface (“API”) integration may facilitate syncing the imagesdisplayed on the keycaps with the respective input functionality of thekeys. For example, an API that functions in conjunction with a computeroperating system may command keyboard circuitry to display a keyboardlanguage layout on the keycaps associated with the user/operating systemselected keyboard layout. Accordingly, the image displayed on the keycapis associated with the computer input in response to that key beingdepressed. API integration may also facilitate syncing the imagesdisplayed on the keycaps with hot keys specific to an active program(e.g., Adobe Suites®, and Final Cut Pro®). When a program is opened thathas API integration, the API may automatically detect that a keyboardwith a changeable keycap display is present, and command the keyboard todisplay images on the keycaps associated with the hot keys of the activeprogram.

In gaming applications, an API may facilitate dynamic adjustment of thekeyboard layout (e.g., hot keys), and the associated images displayed onthe related keys. For example, the selection of one or more keys on thekeyboard may trigger a secondary/temporary re-configuration of the oneor more hot keys with the gaming application, and the related imagesdisplayed on those keys.

FIGS. 10A-H are top views of a computer keyboard 1000 with each of thekeys 1006 _(1-N) displaying various information via a keycap 1007_(1-N), consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 10A, the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of each of the keys 1006_(1-N) are projecting/displaying a standard QWERTY-type keyboard layout.As discussed above, one or more displays below each of the keycaps 1007_(1-N) may be programmed to display any one of a plurality of images,letters, numerals, or other information (which in many cases may relateto a computer input associated with depressing the key 1006). A graphicprocessor controlling the one or more displays may be communicativelycoupled to a computer processor (or the graphic processor may beintegrated with the computer processor). Where the computer keyboard1000 does not include the graphic processor, for example, the computerkeyboard 1000 is dependent upon an external control signal from thecomputer processor to provide an image for each of the keycaps 1007_(1-N). In some embodiments, one or more displays project a singleimage, with sub-images of the single image being displayed on at leastone of the keycaps 1007 _(1-N). The sub-image displayed on each of thekeycaps 1007 _(1-N) may or may not be associated with the inputfunctionality of that key 1006 _(1-N) to a communicatively coupledcomputer.

In some embodiments, in the absence of a control signal from a computerprocessor indicative of a selected keyboard layout, keyboard controllercircuitry (e.g., a graphic processor) may display a default keyboardlayout (e.g., QWERTY layout). The keyboard controller circuitry on-boardthe computer keyboard 1000 may include memory to store images associatedwith the most common keyboard layouts. With such pre-loaded images, thekeyboard controller circuitry may reduce the lag time between selectinga keyboard layout on a connected computer and displaying the respectiveinput for each of the keys 1006 on the keycaps 1007 (as the images neednot be transmitted between the computer and the keyboard). In thealternative, software executed on the computer, in response to theselection of a keyboard layout or commencement of use of a particularcomputer program or application, may upload the associated keycap imagesto the keyboard controller circuitry on-board the keyboard 1000, andassociate the respective keyed inputs received from the keyboard 1000 tothe desired computer inputs.

Where the keyboard 1000 is utilized to stream high-definition videoand/or images across its keycaps 1007, the keyboard 1000 may becommunicatively coupled to a computer terminal which may real-timestream such video and/or images using high-speed data communicationprotocols (e.g., Thunderbolt or USB-C communication protocols). Such asystem may facilitate both static and dynamic configurations of thekeyboard 1000, as discussed in more detail above.

To optimize and customize the display images on the keycaps 1007 _(1-N),settings such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness of thedisplay may be adjusted. By adjusting contrast, for example, an objectassociated with the input (e.g., the letter “A”) may be made moredistinguishable from a background. As shown in FIG. 10A, the lettersdisplayed on the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) (which are housed within upperhousing 1005) may be, for example, white and the background may be blackto maximize contrast. The desired amount of contrast often varies fromuser to user. Similarly, brightness adjustment is also desirable to suitambient light conditions and user preference. Aspects of the presentdisclosure are directed to automatic adjustment of such display settingsor characteristics (e.g., using a photodiode to provide data related toambient light conditions to keyboard controller circuitry, anddetermining and driving the display with optimal displaycharacteristics), manual input at/on the keyboard 1000, and/or input inthe computer's graphical user interface.

FIG. 10B shows a top view of a keyboard 1000 with a plurality of keys1006 _(1-N) housed within a keyboard housing 1005. One or more keycaps1007 _(1-N) of the plurality of keys 1006 _(1-N) may include a displaysystem (e.g., as shown in the various embodiments of FIGS. 2-9). Whenthe computer is in use, the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) may display symbolsassociated with a respective input of the key. For bilingual users, aprinted keyboard layout showing, for example, a standard QWERTY keyboardmay be undesirable as the user's second language may not use the samealphabet. Accordingly, it may be difficult for the user to switchbetween languages on a computing system, even when the user isbilingual, as the user must memorize the alternative keyboardconfiguration (or alternatively use two separate keyboards). As shown inFIG. 10B, the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of a first set of keys 1051 on akeyboard 1000 have been programmed to display not only a standard QWERTYkeyboard layout, but also a Hebrew keyboard layout. By displaying bothof these layouts simultaneously, a keyboard user may effortlessly switchback and forth between input types while maintaining a keycap display towhich a user may refer to determine an associated input of a given key1006 _(1-N) for either keyboard layout type. Based on a user'spreference the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of the keyboard 1000 may beprogrammed to display one or more of a plurality of keyboard layouts. Toprovide a visual indication of which one of the various keyboard layoutsdisplayed is currently the selected keyboard layout of the computersystem, one of the keys may display on the keycap 1052 the selectedkeyboard layout (e.g., “Hebrew”).

As further shown in FIG. 10B, a second set of keys 1053 may becustomized to display both Arabic and braille numerals. The braillenumerals may be displayed on the keycaps 1007 or permanently molded ontoa surface of the keycap to provide tactile feedback. Function keys 1050may be active keys that, based on an open application, display differentsymbols associated with application-specific functions. In variousembodiments of the present disclosure, software on the computer may beused to customize the keyboard layout to include hot keys with custominput-type functionality (which may or may not be associated with aspecific application), and with custom and/or stock symbols displayed onthe related keycap 1007 _(1-N) to facilitate identification andselection of a desired hot key or functionality. As explained furtherbelow, FIG. 10C shows one example embodiment of such a custom keyboardconfiguration.

FIG. 10C shows a custom keyboard mapping for use with video editingsoftware. The keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of the keys 1006 _(1-N) in keyboardportion 1054 display both a standard QWERTY keyboard layout, as well ashot keys for the video editing software which is being used on thecomputer terminal. When one of the hot keys is engaged by the user, thecomputer or controller circuitry of the keyboard 1000 associates thatkey engagement with the desired hot key function, and the computerexecutes the function. In response to the user exiting the video editingsoftware, the keyboard may be remapped to display a standard QWERTYlayout (or other default keyboard layout) or anotherapplication-specific keyboard layout associated with a different activewindow of the computer, for example. As a user switches between computerprograms/applications running concurrently, the keyboard may change todisplay different graphics, letters, and symbols to desirableprogram-specific functionality. Computer software providers may writesub-routines into their respective code to further facilitate such hotkey association and display on keyboards consistent with the presentdisclosure. With such sub-routines, upon executing the software code inthe computer, the computer may execute a custom keyboard mapping andtransmit the respective object images for each of the keys 1006 _(1-N)(which extend out of upper housing 1005) to controller circuitry of thecomputer keyboard 1000 for displaying on the keycaps 1007 _(1-N).

FIG. 10D shows a custom keyboard mapping for use with a video gameprogram. In the present embodiment, a number of keys 1006 _(1-N) of thekeyboard 1000 may maintain the function associated with a standardQWERTY layout, and similarly display objects on the keycaps 1007 _(1-N)associated with the QWERTY layout. However, first, second, and thirdportions of the keyboard, 1055 _(A-C), respectively, have been re-mappedto facilitate specific gaming functionality while the computer programexecutes the video game program. Accordingly, to visually indicate thechange in the first, second, and third keyboard portions 1055 _(A-C)functionality, the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) for the keys 1006 _(1-N) withinthese keyboard portions display objects based on the received commandsfrom the computer to display objects associated with the keysapplication-specific functionality. In the present embodiment, tofurther distinguish the re-mapped keys from the remaining QWERTY keys,the re-mapped keys may also be displayed with, for example, a differentbackground color.

FIG. 10E shows a top view of a keyboard 1000 including a number of keys1006 _(1-N) within a keyboard housing 1005. One or more of the keys 1006_(1-N) may include keycaps 1007 _(1-N) with displays that facilitate theprojection of images and/or objects onto a top surface (oruser-perceptible surface) of the keycaps. One application of such akeyboard 1000 is for training and educational purposes. The keys 1006_(1-N) are mapped to a standard QWERTY keyboard layout. When thekeyboard 1000 is used in conjunction with a spelling and grammar programon a computer, a display of the computer may prompt the user to spell aword by, for example, providing a visual cue of an image associated withthe word (e.g., showing an image of a cat), by playing a soundassociated with the word (e.g., playing a “meow” sound), and/or bysaying the word aloud (e.g. “cat”). In response, the user is directed toselect the keys on the keyboard 1000 associated with the letters tospell the word (e.g., “c-a-t”). Where the user gets “stuck” spelling theword or inputs an incorrect letter, the computer may prompt the keyboardto highlight, bolden, or change the background to contrast the correctkey with the rest of the keys—thereby providing a visual hint as to theappropriate letter and further facilitating a visual association in theuser's mind as to the correct spelling of the word. As shown in FIG.10E, the keyboard is displaying a “hint” that key 1006 ₅ is theappropriate key to press by displaying the letter “C” on the keycap 1007₅ with a background that is somehow different from the backgrounds ofthe other letters displayed on the keycaps 1007 of the keyboard 1000.

In a training application of keyboard 1000 in FIG. 10E, the keyboard maybe used to facilitate teaching of computer keyboard typing to a newuser. For example, when a user is prompted to press a key 1006 ₅ (e.g.,a key associated with the data input “C”), keyboard controller circuitrymay change some visual cue of the keycap 1007 ₅ to facilitaterecognition and association of the key 1006 ₅ relative to a user'sfingers. To minimize “peeking” at the keys, this visual indication maysimply include backlighting the keycap 1007 ₅ to provide a desiredcontrast with the other keyboard keycaps 1007.

Other applications of the present disclosure may include keyboards atpublic computer terminals where the keyboard functionality must beintelligible and perceptible to a variety of users. These users mayinclude, for example, users who speak/understand various languages, andusers with communicative disabilities. A keyboard as disclosed hereinmay be utilized to both remap the keyboard layout and to display theassociated objects on each of the keycaps indicative of the key's mappeddata input. Accordingly. The keyboard may be adjusted to suit any typeof user that may require use of the computer terminal. As shown in FIG.10F, the displayed objects on keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of each key 1006_(1-N) (which extend out of upper housing 1005) may be adjusted tofacilitate easier recognition by visually impaired individuals. Forexample, the objects displayed on the keycaps 1007 _(1-N) within a firstportion 1056 of keys may have a larger font size, be in bold, and/orhave a different font that further facilitates object recognition. InFIG. 10F, the letters displayed on the keycaps 1007 within the firstportion of keys 1056 are both of larger font size and in bold.

Keyboards consistent with the present disclosure may also be infinitelycustomizable not only for practical applications (e.g., switchingbetween keyboard layouts, languages, training, hot key mapping, etc.),but also to fit a user's sense of individual style. As shown in FIG.10G, keycaps 1007 _(1-N) of the keys 1006 _(1-N) on keyboard 1000 aredisplaying a standard QWERTY keyboard layout. However, the font colorand the background keycap color of the key portion 1057 have beenmodified by the user. For example, the user may select a white font witha fuchsia background color. The combinations of, for example, font,color, background color, font and font size are limitless. Also, theuser may further personalize the keyboard 1000 by adding a backgroundimage on the keycaps 1007, or a screensaver may appear on one morekeycaps after some length of inactivity (as shown in FIG. 10H).

FIG. 10H shows a keyboard 1000 with a keyboard housing 1005 housing aplurality of keys 1006 _(1-N) within a key portion 1057. One or more ofthe keys 1006 within the key portion 1057 may include keycaps 1007_(1-N) that are capable of displaying an image for visual recognition bya user. In the present embodiment, a user has selected to underlay theQWERTY keyboard layout objects on the keycaps 1007 with an image oftheir choosing that extends across one or more keys. The image providesa custom look to the keyboard 1000, and the images may further beselected to exhibit traits of the user (e.g., hobbies, past-times,favorite sports teams, family matters, pets, scenery, and otherinterests). By viewing the image shown in FIG. 10H, a third-party maydeduce that the keyboard user likes architecture, for example. After aperiod of inactivity, the computer terminal and/or keyboard controllercircuitry may discontinue displaying the QWERTY keyboard objects on thekeycaps 1007, and merely display the image. In yet further embodiments,the key portion 1057 may display videos (e.g., movies, videoscreen-savers, shows, etc.).

FIG. 10I is a view of an image 1060 projected on the keycaps of thecomputer keyboard of FIG. 10H, consistent with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10H, portions of the image whichare located between relative keycaps 1007 may not be displayed. In yetfurther more specific embodiments, portions of a keyboard between keys1006 may also be capable of projecting an image from a display withinthe keyboard 1000. Accordingly, the keys and the portions of keyboardbetween the keys may be used to display a complete image.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of a computer keyboard 1100,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. The computerkeyboard 1100 includes a key matrix 1115 releasably coupled to aplurality of domes 1111 _(1-N). Opposite the key matrix 1115, theplurality of domes 1111 _(1-N) are releasably coupled to keys 1106 thatare housed in upper housing 1105. Opposite the upper housing 1105, alower housing 1125 in conjunction with the upper housing encloses thevarious keyboard components. When one of the keys 1106 are selected by auser, the key is depressed into or toward the upper housing 1105 anddeforms one of the plurality of domes 1111 _(1-N) into contact with anelectrical contact switch 1116 associated with the user selected key1106 (to complete an electrical circuit of the contact switch), therebyactivating the contact switch. When communicatively coupled to acomputer system, the keyboard 1100 transmits a key code in response tothe activation of the contact switch 1116 to the computer system (by wayof one or more electrical connectors 1117 _(A) and/or 1117 _(B)). Thekey code, once received by the computer system, is associated with aspecific data input based on a selected keyboard layout. After the userhas completed their key selection, the dome 1111 associated with theselected key 1106 returns to its undeformed shape, allowing the contactswitch 1116 to discontinue conducting, and returning a key to itsinitial position. The key matrix 1115, the plurality of domes 1111_(1-N), and the one or more keys 1106 are collectively referred toherein as an electro-mechanical interface.

Applicant has discovered numerous benefits to having independent domes1111 _(1-N), as opposed to domes mechanically coupled to one another viaa membrane (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For example, the key presses exhibit animproved tactile user experience, and more reliable activation ofcontact switch 1116. Moreover, where one or more of the domes 1111_(1-N) of the membrane become misaligned relative to a contact switch,the other domes may also be pulled out of alignment with theirrespective paired contact switches resulting in undetected key pressesand/or failure of a dome to return to its undeformed shape causing acontinuous, false key press.

As further shown in FIG. 11, an image projecting means 1120 ispositioned underneath key matrix 1115. The image projecting means 1120may project one or more images up through transparent portions of thekey matrix 1115 and one or more of the plurality of domes 1111 _(1-N),and onto a surface of the one or more keys in response to a controlsignal received by the image projecting means 1120 via electricalconnector 1121. In more specific embodiments, at least a portion of theone or more keys is transparent to allow the image to be projected upthrough the key and onto a top surface of the key (a top portion of thekey also referred to as a keycap) for viewing by a user. Moreover, allor portions of the upper housing 1105 may also be transparent tofacilitate projection of images between the keycaps (or a single imageacross a plurality of the keys 1106 and the upper housing 1105). Bydisplaying the image across both the keycaps of the keys 1106 and theupper housing 1105, a more complete image may be visible, and therebymore easily identifiable.

FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional side view of the computer keyboard1101 of FIG. 11, consistent with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. In the present embodiment, an image 1122 projected from animage projecting means 1120 is transmitted through portions of keymatrix 1115, dome 1111, and into an interior portion of a hollow shaft1109 of a key 1106 before projecting through a transparent portion 1107of the key and onto a keycap surface. In various embodiments consistentwith the present disclosure, the key matrix 1115 may comprise asubstantially transparent portion or an aperture for facilitatingprojection of the image through the key matrix. Similarly, the dome 1111may comprise a substantially transparent portion or an aperture forfacilitating projection of the image there through. In more specificembodiments, a shape of the dome 1111 may be optically enhanced formanipulating the projected image as desired, including but notnecessarily limited to refraction, diffraction, and reflection. In theembodiment as shown in FIG. 11A, the image is projected linearly up thehollow shaft 1109 without any light manipulation, the dome 1111 havingoptical characteristics that allow for the flow of light through thedome 1111 without perturbing its direction, brightness, and contrast. Aseach dome 1111 is independent of one another, the image projecting means1120 may also transmit portions of a larger image or individual imagesthrough the key matrix 1115 and directly onto a top surface of atransparent upper housing 1105, without the optical interference of amembrane. As a result, a contiguous image may be displayed over a numberof keycaps and the area of the upper housing 1105 between the keycaps.This may be particularly advantageous as the deformation of a dome 1111,during a key press, will not affect the image quality/location beingdisplayed on the keycaps of adjacent keys. This is due to the domes 1111not being mechanically coupled to one another via a membrane that mayotherwise laterally offset the centerline of an adjacent dome duringdeformation—thereby altering the position of the image displayed on theadjacent keycap.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, a force exerted on the key 1106 causesshaft 1109 of the key to extend through an aperture in upper housing1105 and deform dome 1111 into contact with contact switch 1116—therebycompleting an electrical circuit.

FIG. 11B is a top view of the computer keyboard 1100 of FIG. 11,consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 11B, the keyboard 1100 includes a keyboard upper housing 1105 thathouses a plurality of keys 1106 _(1-N) within a key portion 1157. One ormore of the keys 1106 within the key portion 1157 may include keycaps1107 _(1-N) that are capable of displaying an image for visualrecognition by a user. Moreover, and as discussed in reference to FIG.11A above, the upper housing 1105 may be transparent and therebyfacilitate the display of an image or a portion of a larger imagedisplayed on one or more keycaps 1107 _(1-N). In the present embodiment,a user has selected to underlay the QWERTY keyboard layout objects onthe keycaps 1107 with an image of their choosing that extends across oneor more keys and the upper housing 1105 there between. By displaying theimage across both the keycaps 1107 _(1-N) and the upper housing 1105,the keyboard 1100 provides an enhanced user experience devoid ofimage/pixel dead zones between the respective keycaps 1107 _(1-N) thatmay otherwise limit user recognition of an image, video, object, etc.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of acomputer keyboard key assembly 1200, further illustrating optical raypaths 1220 ₁₋₄ generated by an image projecting means 1205 up throughthe key assembly 1200. The image projecting means 1205 may be, forexample, a liquid crystal display. A portion of the optical rays 1220₁₋₄ associated with that image/light generated by the image projectingmeans 1205 are illustrated as the rays travel up from the imageprojecting means 1205, through a lens 1210, and onto an outer surface1216 of a keycap 1215. The resulting image displayed on the keycap 1215being visible to a keyboard user. In the present embodiment, the totalvertical distance traveled by the optical rays 1220 ₁₋₄ is 15millimeters (di), which corresponds to the thickness of many commonkeyboard key assemblies.

In the first embodiment of FIG. 12A, the image projecting means 1205includes a glass cover of 1.5 millimeter thickness through which theoptical rays 1220 ₁₋₄ travel through after being generated by the imageprojecting means. The optical rays 1220 ₁₋₄ then travel through an airgap before arriving at a half-ball lens 1210. In the present embodimentthe half-ball lens 1210 has a 2 millimeter radius and is positioned at amid-point of the computer keyboard key assembly 1200. The optical rays1220 ₁₋₄ then travel through another air gap before arriving andtraveling through a translucent portion of a keycap 1215. In the presentembodiment, the translucent portion of the keycap consists ofpolycarbonate of approximately 3.0 millimeters in thickness.

The resulting image on the outer surface 1216 of the keycap 1215 isinverted and must accordingly be accounted for when generating an imageto be projected by the image projecting means 1205. Moreover, in thepresent embodiment, the image displayed on the keycap 1215 is largerthan the image originally generated by the image projecting means 1205.For example, in some embodiments the original image generated on theimage projecting means 1205 may be 4×4 millimeters and the displayedimage on the keycap 1215 is 8×8 millimeters. Such an optical solutionmay be particularly beneficial for various keycap embodiments disclosedthroughout the present application—particularly those where a stem of akey has a reduced opening (or where mechanical components associatedwith key actuation block a portion of the image projecting means 1205).

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an outer surface 1216of the keycap 1215 may further include a plastic diffusing film tofacilitate enhance viewing angles of the image displayed on the keycap.In some additional embodiments, an aperture may also be positionedbetween the lens 1210 and the keycap 1215 to filter out light raysemitted from the image projecting means 1205 but that have not travelledthrough the lens 1210.

One benefit of the present computer keyboard key assembly 1200embodiment, and that disclosed in reference to FIG. 12B, is that theoptical rays 1220 ₁₋₄ ultimately displayed on the keycap do not emanatefrom the image projecting means 1205 at high angles of incidence. As aresult, the image projecting means 1205 utilized for the application maynot be application specific.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of acomputer keyboard key assembly 1201 illustrating optical ray paths 1221₁₋₄ travelling up through the key assembly 1201. An image/light isgenerated by an image projecting means 1205 and a portion of the opticalrays 1221 ₁₋₄ associated with that image/light are illustrated as therays travel up from the image projecting means 1205, through a lens1210, and onto an outer surface 1216 of a keycap 1215. The totalvertical distance traveled by the optical rays 1221 ₁₋₄ is approximately15 millimeters.

In the second embodiment of FIG. 12B, the image projecting means 1205includes a glass cover of 1.0 millimeter thickness through which theoptical rays 1220 ₁₋₄ travel through after being generated. The opticalrays 1220 ₁₋₄ then travel through an air gap before arriving at ahalf-ball lens 1210. In the present embodiment the half-ball lens 1210has a 2 millimeter radius and is positioned at approximately a mid-pointof the computer keyboard key assembly 1201. The optical rays 1221 ₁₋₄then travel through another air gap before arriving and travelingthrough a translucent portion of a keycap 1215. In the presentembodiment, the translucent portion of the keycap consists ofpolycarbonate of approximately 2.0 millimeters in thickness. Due to thedecreased thicknesses of the keycap and glass cover, compared to thefirst embodiment of FIG. 12A, the optical rays 1221 ₁₋₄ travel throughair gaps with an increased distance of 1.5 millimeters.

As in the first embodiment, the resulting image on the outer surface1216 of the keycap 1215 is inverted and the displayed image is largerthan the image originally generated by the image projecting means 1205.

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of acomputer keyboard key 1203 illustrating optical ray paths 1223 ₁₋₄traveling up through the key. An image/light is generated by an imageprojecting means 1205 and a portion of the optical rays 1223 ₁₋₃associated with that image/light are illustrated as the rays travel upfrom the image projecting means 1205, through a lens 1210″, and onto akeycap 1215. The image projecting means 1205 has a display area that isapproximately 10×10 millimeters and the generated image on the keycap1215 is approximately 5×5 millimeters. To facilitate a reduced imagesize on the keycap, the lens 1210″ is positioned proximally to thekeycap 1215 (approximately 5 millimeters from an inner surface of thekeycap 1215). A total distance between the image projecting means and atop surface of the keycap is approximately 15 millimeters.

The third embodiment has a spot size on the keycap 1214 of 100micrometers resulting in an optical resolution of 10 points permillimeter. To the eye of an observer, this is a sharp image.

The lens 1210″ of the third embodiment may be an aspheric lens. Similarto some of the previously disclosed embodiments, an outer surface of thekeycap 1215 may have a plastic diffusing film to facilitate largerviewing angles of a user.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of acomputer keyboard key 1301 illustrating optical ray paths 1323 ₁₋₄traveling up through the key. After being generated by image projectingmeans 1305 the rays travel through an air gap to an aspheric lens. Insome specific embodiments, the aspheric lens may consist of polymethylmethacrylate (also known as PMMA) and have a 1.7 millimeter diameteraperture at a top of the aspheric lens (the side nearest the keycap1315). The bottom of the lens being positioned approximately 10millimeters from an inner surface 1317 of the keycap 1315.

In the third embodiment, the generated image by the image projectingmeans 1305 is approximately 4×4 millimeters and the displayed image onkeycap 1315 is approximately 8×8 millimeters. One particular benefit ofthe present, third embodiment is that the angles of incidence for theoptical ray paths 1323 ₁₋₄ traveling up through the key are quite low.As a result, the present embodiment need not utilize an image projectingmeans 1305 with a large viewing angle and more of the light from theimage projecting means 1305 ultimately reaches the keycap 1315.

FIG. 13B is a computer generated image analysis of a resulting image ona keycap of the fourth embodiment of the computer keyboard key of FIG.13A. In the analysis of FIG. 13B, the image displayed through the key1301 is a simple grid pattern generated by the image projecting means1305. The spot size at the top of the keycap 1315 is approximately 150micrometers with the image projecting means 1305 producing pixels nolarger than approximately 100 micrometers. To maximize brightness at thekeycap 1315, the lens 1310 has a large aperture (approximately F/5). Asshown in the computer generated image 1302 of FIG. 13B, the opticalproperties of the key 1301 of FIG. 13A produces a grid of approximately8×8 millimeters with the following optical characteristics: sharp,uniform brightness, and low optical distortion.

In another specific embodiment, a generated image on an image projectingmeans may be 6×6 millimeters, and the resulting image on the keycapafter the lens focuses the light from the image projecting means is10×10 millimeters.

In some specific computer keyboard key embodiments, it may be desirableto have a display on the keycap that is greater than 10×10 millimeters(but where the z-dimension of the assembly remains approximately 15millimeters). In such embodiments, a more complicated lens (i.e., lenswith two elements) is necessary.

FIG. 14A is an isometric top view of a computer keyboard key 1400 andFIG. 14B is a cross-sectional side view of the computer keyboard key1400. The key 1400 is positioned on the top of an image projecting meansand key matrix 1403 (or as shown in the present embodiment, a liquidcrystal display with integrated touch screen). The key 1400 includes abody 1402 that in some embodiments facilitates a snap-fit duringassembly with key cap 1401. A silicone rubber button 1405 (also referredto a membrane herein) is positioned within the body 1402. In response todepression of the key cap 1401 by a user, the silicone rubber button1405 is deformed, simultaneously electrically coupling two contactswithin the key matrix and providing tactile feedback to the user. As theforce of the user's key depression ebbs, the deformation of the siliconerubber button 1405 provides a counter-acting force on the keycap 1401returning the keycap to its static position and decoupling the twocontacts of the key matrix.

In some alternative embodiments, the silicone rubber button 1405 may bereplaced with a spiral compression spring, or the depression mechanismmay consist of a scissor-mechanism and spring.

As shown in FIG. 14B, a longitudinal opening extends through the body1402, key cap 1401 and silicone rubber button 1405 to facilitate lightto travel through the opening onto a transparent cover 1404 of the keycap 1401. The transparent cover 1404 may be positioned flush with a topsurface of keycap 1401, the image appearing thereon. In someembodiments, the cover may be 8×8 millimeters.

In some more specific embodiments, a lens 1406 may be positioned withinthe keycap 1401 on a ledge 1410 that facilitates positive positioningduring assembly.

Various modules or other circuits may be implemented to carry out one ormore of the operations and activities described herein and/or shown inthe figures. In these contexts, a “module” is a circuit that carries outone or more of these or related operations/activities (e.g., keyboardcircuitry, controller circuitry). For example, in certain of theabove-discussed embodiments, one or more modules are discrete logiccircuits or programmable logic circuits configured and arranged forimplementing these operations/activities. In certain embodiments, such aprogrammable circuit is one or more computer circuits programmed toexecute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). Theinstructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmwareor software stored in and accessible from a memory (circuit). As anexample, first and second modules include a combination of a CPUhardware-based circuit and a set of instructions in the form offirmware, where the first module includes a first CPU hardware circuitwith one set of instructions and the second module includes a second CPUhardware circuit with another set of instructions.

Certain embodiments are directed to a computer program product (e.g.,nonvolatile memory device), which includes a machine orcomputer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may beexecuted by a computer (or other electronic device) to perform theseoperations/activities.

Although several embodiments have been described above with a certaindegree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerousalterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thespirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes indetail or structure may be made without departing from the presentteachings. The foregoing description and following claims are intendedto cover all such modifications and variations.

Various embodiments are described herein of various apparatuses,systems, and methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to providea thorough understanding of the overall structure, function,manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodimentsmay be practiced without such specific details. In other instances,well-known operations, components, and elements have not been describedin detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in thespecification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatthe embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do notnecessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which isdefined solely by the appended claims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or the like, means thata particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like, inplaces throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the featuresstructures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A peripheral electronic keyboard to detect userinputs, the electronic keyboard comprising: an electro-mechanicalinterface including a plurality of keys, each of the keys including akeycap, configured and arranged to receive a first user input on a firstkeycap of said plurality of keys, and a key matrix coupled to each keyof said plurality of keys, and in response to the first user input isconfigured and arranged to convert the first user input into anelectrical signal indicative of a first data input; and an imageprojecting means including a display configured and arranged to projectan image, and one or more optical elements configured and arranged tofocus the projected image from the display on to respective opticallytransparent portions of the keycaps; wherein the one or more keysfurther include a hollow shaft configured and arranged to facilitate theprojection of images from the image projecting means to the keycap, andthe one or more optical elements are positioned within the hollow shaftof the one or more keys; wherein the one or more optical elementsinclude an aspheric lens with a top lens surface with a 1.7 millimeterdiameter aperture, the image generated by the image projecting means isapproximately 4 millimeters×4 millimeters, the projected image on thekeycap is approximately 8 millimeters×8 millimeters, and the spot sizeof the projected image on the keycap is approximately 150 micrometers.2. The electronic keyboard of claim 1, further including an aperturethat has a focal ratio of approximately F/5.
 3. The electronic keyboardof claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the optically transparent keycaphas light diffusing properties.
 4. The electronic keyboard of claim 1,further including a light diffusing plastic film on an outer surface ofthe optically transparent keycap.
 5. The electronic keyboard of claim 1,wherein the image projecting means is coupled opposite the plurality ofkeys relative to the key matrix.
 6. The electronic keyboard of claim 1,wherein the electronic keyboard further includes a housing thatencompasses the image projecting means, and at least partiallyencompasses the electro-mechanical interface; and the electro-mechanicalinterface further includes a membrane coupled between the key and theone or more keys, the membrane configured and arranged to complete anelectrical circuit of the key matrix, and return the one or more keys toan initial position after responding to the user input.
 7. Theelectronic keyboard of claim 6, wherein the key matrix is substantiallyoptically transparent, and the image projecting means is coupled to thekey matrix opposite the keys, and is further configured and arranged toproject the image to the keycap of the one or more keys via thesubstantially optically transparent key matrix.
 8. The electronickeyboard of claim 6, wherein the projected image is not transmitteddirectly through the membrane.
 9. The electronic keyboard of claim 1,wherein the electronic keyboard is not a mechanical overlay to a tabletcomputer screen.
 10. A electronic keyboard comprising: one or more keys,each key including a keycap and a hollow shaft extending to the keycap,the keys configured and arranged to detect user inputs; one or moreoptical elements within the hollow shafts; and an image projecting meansconfigured and arranged to project an image through the hollow shaft andthe one or more optical elements and onto the keycaps of the one or morekeys; an aperture, axially aligned with the image projecting meanswithin the hollow shaft, with a focal ratio of approximately f/5; andwherein the one or more optical elements are configured and arranged tofocus the projected image on to the keycaps via an aspheric lens with atop lens surface with a 1.7 millimeter diameter aperture and the spotsize of the projected image on the keycap is approximately 150micrometers.
 11. The electronic keyboard of claim 10, wherein the imagegenerated by the image projecting means is approximately 4 millimeters×4millimeters, the projected image on the keycap is approximately 8millimeters×8 millimeters.